A few days ago in casual conversation, my big kids asked me what I remember about September 11, 2001. We’ve talked about 9/11 several times before, so I was as surprised as they were when the lump came into my throat, and I had to compose myself as tears rolled down my face when recalling that awful day.
The 20 year old memory of seeing the plane crash into the second tower as my four-year-old played carefree in our front yard is still vivid and surprisingly full of emotion all these years later.
Because I lived it, it’s sometimes easy to forget that my children did not. This is part of America’s history, even if it is a painful one. As a homeschooling parent, how can I effectively teach my children about that day?
With the 20th anniversary fast approaching, we plan to spend this week studying 9/11. We will watch documentaries, read books, make art, and have many discussions. Most importantly, we will honor the heroes of that day and those that continue to fight to protect our freedoms today.
Disclaimer: The post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) to help support my blog. Thanks in advance.
Talking to Young Kids About 9/11
Terrorism is a real thing, and fear is powerful. I found this resource to help you decide how to approach the subject with younger kids.
I’ve previewed this HBO documentary, and it seems to be kid-friendly enough. Facts are presented and photographs and testimonials are shared, but I didn’t see anything graphic. Please preview before showing your own children, because only you can decide what is appropriate for your children.
Books We Plan to Use This Week
Most of these books are picture books written for younger kids, but that’s okay. They make for an easy read, and big kids can learn from them too.
9-11 A Tribute is a book that we own, so I’ve already pulled it from the bookshelf in preparation for the week.
Fireboat is a children’s book about the John J. Harvey fireboat that was retired in 1995 but called back into action on 9/11. Homeschool Share has a unit study to go along with this book.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers isn’t about 9/11, but rather spotlights the towers through one man’s daring tight rope walk in 1974.
I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 is a book from the I Survived series of books that cover many interesting historical events from the perspective of someone who lived through it. This one won’t be shared with the kindergarteners for sure and probably won’t be shared with the second grader. My 7th-12th grade kids shouldn’t have a problem with the content though.
September 12th: We Knew Everything Would Be Alright is the book I look forward to the most. This book shares from children’s perspectives how they felt hope, security, and reassurance the day after.
National Geographic Readers: September 11 is written for kids by various children’s authors. The pictures are more comforting than upsetting as they seem to focus on the heroes and rescuers.
Other Resources for Learning About 9/11
If you have Amazon Prime, they offer many documentaries and movies on the topic of 9/11. I intend to allow my big kids to choose a few to watch this week instead of their regular history assignments.
These 9/11 timelines will help the older kids make sense of what happened that day minute-by-minute. The timelines cover the events of 9/11 as well as Ground Zero recovery and the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.
My big kids are into country music, and I am not. But… I do vaguely remember hearing this song by Alan Jackson that I thought might help put things into perspective for them.
The big kids will also need to research the Patriot Act, summarize what it is, and share their opinions of whether this was a good move “for the people.”
Celebrating 9/11 Patriot Day
This week, we’ll decorate our classroom with patriotic artwork made by our little ones. Patriotic Color Pages are a great way to teach about American symbols (eagle, Stars and Stripes, etc) as well as our country and the freedom we enjoy.
The wonderful creators at Teachers Pay Teachers have many free activities and craft projects to celebrate Patriot Day.
We have friends that are firefighters, so we may write thank you notes and take them a homemade treat. Even though we’re a long way from NYC, we don’t take for granted the men and women that serve and protect in our community.
Along with learning about a significant event in America’s recent history–one that we do not want to see repeated, I hope this week of study will help my children learn to appreciate the freedom they enjoy as well as the men and women that help protect that freedom both at home and overseas. Whether civilian or military, we can all choose to be patriots when we love our country and defend our Constitution.